Dual-Modality OCT-NIRF Catheter for Plaque Inflammation Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools are inadequate for effectively screening and evaluating the inflammatory state of atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to complications such as heart attacks or strokes.
Innovation Solution
A dual-modality NIRF-OCT imaging system and catheter are used to detect inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic plaques by combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) for structural imaging with near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging, utilizing a cathepsin-activatable agent like LUM015 to identify inflammation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing imaging tools are used for plaque screening, then structural information can be obtained, but inflammatory activity detection is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines OCT and NIRF imaging modalities into a single integrated system. The OCT component provides high-resolution structural imaging of the plaque, while the NIRF component detects inflammatory activity through fluorescent probes. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of both structural and functional inflammatory information, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision for inflammation detection and imaging versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is designed to perform multiple functions: structural imaging via OCT, inflammatory activity detection via NIRF, and molecular targeting through cathepsin-activatable probes. This multi-functionality enables the system to address both structural assessment and inflammation detection needs, improving versatility while maintaining high measurement precision for inflammatory markers.
2Loss of information
If a single imaging modality is used, then device complexity is reduced, but both structural and inflammatory information cannot be simultaneously obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates OCT and NIRF imaging systems into a unified platform with shared optical pathways and synchronized detection. This merging approach allows simultaneous acquisition of structural OCT data and inflammatory NIRF data without requiring separate imaging sessions or systems, thereby reducing information loss while managing device complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The NIRF imaging components are nested within the OCT system architecture, sharing common elements such as the catheter platform, optical delivery fibers, and control systems. This nesting allows the dual-modality system to function as a cohesive unit, minimizing the increase in device complexity while ensuring both structural and inflammatory information are captured.
3Reliability
If LUM015 agent is used for inflammation detection, then cathepsin-mediated inflammatory processes can be detected, but validation in atherosclerosis models is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary validation of the LUM015 agent in rabbit models of atherosclerosis before potential clinical application. The study demonstrates that the cathepsin-activatable probe reliably detects inflammatory activity in plaques, showing increased fluorescence signals in regions of high inflammatory burden. This preliminary validation establishes reliability while identifying the need for further clinical validation studies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate, in vivo imaging of plaque inflammation, demonstrating increased fluorescence levels over time and correlating with established probes, indicating its potential for clinical use in detecting plaque instability.
Implementation Method 1
an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system configured to perform structural imaging
Implementation Method 2
a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging system configured to perform NIRF imaging
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting inflammatory activity, including: providing a catheter including a near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging system configured to perform NIRF imaging and an optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging system configured to perform structural imaging; introducing a near-infrared fluorescent cathepsin-activatable imaging agent into a blood vessel; placing a distal end of the catheter within the blood vessel; obtaining, using the OCT imaging system, structural images of an atherosclerotic plaque within the blood vessel; obtaining, using the NIRF imaging system. NIRF images of the atherosclerotic plaque within the blood vessel; detecting the near-infrared fluorescent cathepsin-activatable imaging agent in the NIRF images; and identifying inflammation within the atherosclerotic plaque based on detecting the near-infrared fluorescent cathepsin-activatable imaging agent in the NIRF images.